ANIL KUMAR H. S, GANGA GAMANA, SULAKSHANA PAI AND MELITA RASHMI REBELLO
Abstract
The high cost of input energy and increased environmental concerns are paving way for the biotechnological conversion of waste biomass which is a potentially sustainable approach to develop novel bioprocess and products. Toxic chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, dyes contaminated waste waters which remain unseen are environmentally most hazardous. Due to their high solubility in the aquatic environments; it can lead to bio-magnification over time. The present study involves preparation of deinked waste paper and its fermentation in both submerged and solid state fermentation. Further the residue of fermentation was developed as bio-adsorbent for removal of water contaminant. Deinking of waste paper was prepared by treating sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Dried deinked samples are used as a carbon source for submerged and solid state fermentation using Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viridae. Reducing sugar and cellulase thus produced is estimated. Removal of methylene blue and ampicillin were investigated using treated waste paper and fermented waste paper residue as bio-adsorbent. Treated waste paper columns are used to check the removal efficiency of methylene blue and ampicillin from its respective solutions. A significant reduction in methylene blue and ampicillin was observed through adsorption studies. Effective biotechnological approach leads to generate multiple valuable products from a single waste resource. Future study has scope in optimizing its capacity for the scale up and reusability. The results shown in the present investigation is a promising lead for the sustainable development of solutions for the environmental problems in the most economic and ecofriendly manner.